Safran selects site near Lyon for new €450 million carbon brake factory
French engine maker Safran has selected a location in Eastern France to build a new €450 million carbon brake factory, the company’s Board of Directors announced on July 31, 2025.
The Plaine de l’Ain Industrial Park (PIPA), approximately 38 km (26 miles) east of Lyon, was chosen over other contenders, which included Villeurbanne, France, Walton, Kentucky, and Sendayan, Malaysia, all locations where Safran already has industrial facilities.
This new 30,000 square meter (323,000 sq. ft) state-of-the-art facility will become operational by 2030. Because of its high degree of automation, the plant will initially employ a staff of just around 100. This number is expected to double over the following years as the factory ramps up production volumes by at least 37% until 2037.
In a veiled reference to the role of nuclear energy in France’s energy mix, Safran highlighted that access to abundant, stable and low-carbon energy was a key factor in the decision since energy accounts for around 30% of the cost of the carbon brake production process.
Safran has also promised the factory will achieve scope 1 and 2 zero emissions and will re-use all the heat generated during the production process.
The new plant is also expected to serve as a blueprint to implement advanced industrial processes at the group’s other facilities.
Carbon brakes, the disks and pads of which are made of carbon composites, are an advanced alternative to steel ones. They are appreciated in the industry because of their light weight, heat resistance and durability.
Safran Landing Systems, a subsidiary of the French group which manufactures this type of component, is a leading player in carbon brake production globally, equipping more than half of mid-sized and large commercial aircraft.
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The post Safran selects site near Lyon for new €450 million carbon brake factory appeared first on AeroTime.
French engine maker Safran has selected a location in Eastern France to build a new €450 million carbon…
The post Safran selects site near Lyon for new €450 million carbon brake factory appeared first on AeroTime.
